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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Events and Workshops

Indigenous Education and Cultural Services hosts regular events, including Sweat Lodges, cultural workshops, and guest speakers. In addition to these events, we also host workshops and provide class presentations that introduce attendees to the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, such as residential schools, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and how these continue to impact Indigenous peoples today.

One-on-one support is available for students who wish to learn more about Indigenous cultures from the Traditional Knowledge Keeper, and/or the Indigenous Cultural Advisor, as well as student mental health counselling from an Indigenous cultural approach. Contact indigenous@ontariotechu.ca for more information.

Orange Shirt Day

The event was held on September 30, 2020. View submissions to the Orange Shirt Day Padlet. 

All staff, faculty and students are invited to participate in Orange Shirt Day, everyone is invited to wear an orange shirt and a picture will be taken of attendees to commemorate the day's events. Orange Shirt Day is a project designed to educate people and promote awareness about the Indian Residential School system and the impact this system had for more than a century on Indigenous peoples’.

Stay tuned for more information regarding Orange Shirt Day in 2021. For more information, contact indigenous@ontariotechu.ca.

Visiting Elder Program

Twice per year, we host a Visiting Elder Program to provide the university with an opportunity to learn from an Indigenous Elder. Elders are important members of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities and are recognized for their knowledge, experience, wisdom, harmony and balance. 

Maurice Switzer will be available through the Visiting Elder Program from February 1 to 5, 2021 and prefers to be referred to as a Helper-in-Residence. Maurice is a citizen of the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation and has served as publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press (and managing editor of the Oshawa Times), communications director for the Assembly of First Nations and Union of Ontario Indians, adjunct professor of Indigenous studies on the Laurentian University campus, and a member of the Ontario Human Rights Commission. 

Maurice will be delivering two keynote discussions on February 2 from 10:30 to noon and February 4 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. titled "We are all Treaty People". Students, staff, faculty, and community members are encouraged to attend.

Register for a Keynote Discussion

For more information, contact indigenous@ontariotechu.ca.

 

From Contact 'Til Now

From Contact 'Til Now is an interactive session facilitated by the Indigenous Education and Cultural Services team that will provide participants with an experiential learning opportunity designed to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the history of colonization and how it has affected and continues to affect Indigenous peoples today. This presentation will include a smudging ceremony during the session. A debrief about the exercise will follow to explain its importance and relevance.

Stay tuned for more information regarding the next From Contact 'Til Now workshop. For more information, contact indigenous@ontariotechu.ca.

Mini Pow Wow

In the first week of the fall semester, community members are invited to the annual Mini Pow Wow in Polonsky Commons. A Pow Wow is a celebration that showcases Indigenous music, dances, traditional regalia, food, crafts, and culture.

The 2019 Mini Pow Wow took place on Friday, September 6, 2019. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances of COVID -19, the 2020 Mini Pow Wow event has been canceled. Stay tuned for information regarding the 2021 Mini Pow Wow. For more information, contact indigenous@ontariotechu.ca. 

Film Viewing and Discussion

Watch Indian Horse, a movie about residential schools. The film will be followed by a talk with Indigenous Elder Tony Bomberry. A counsellor will be available throughout the event.

This event took place on Monday, September 30, 2019 at the Regent Theatre. For more information, contact indigenous@ontariotechu.ca.

Guest Speaker Series

In recognition of Louis Riel Day, Indigenous Educational and Cultural Services welcomed Jason Baerg, a Cree Métis artist. Baerg spoke about how his artwork has been influenced by profound Indigenous knowledge keepers and storytellers. 

This event took place on Thursday, November 14 at 61 Charles Street. For more information, contact indigenous@ontariotechu.ca.